University Archives & Special Collections Unboxed

Monthly Archives: August 2017

Ever feel like working to a beat? Well, have we got the album for you. This is our Songs of the Archives playlist, featuring all the hits that speak to archivists and their day to day struggles and joys. We promise after listening to this playlist, you will find your self humming along to your day-to-day tasks!

Who Are You?

Classic song of the 70’s, now commonly associated with that TV hit, CSI (or is that just me?), but anyone who has ever tried to describe a photograph’s scope and contents can appreciate this song. Who among us hasn’t looked at an archival photo and muttered, “Who are you? Who, who? Who, who?”

Can’t Always Get What you Want

It’s hard to admit defeat, but sometimes a researcher comes in looking for something that you just don’t have in your archives. And as much as you want to find it for them, if its not there, its not there. Or they come in with a specific question, but after a reference interview you get to the real crux of their query and “well, you might find you get what you need.”

U Can’t Touch This

Everyone who has handled a research question in an archives and felt that sinking feeling when the item that that patron really wants to see has a big ol’ RESTRICTED label on it. And you have to turn to that patron and say, “I’m sorry, but due to privacy laws U Can’t Touch This”.

A Little Less Conversation

This particular ditty touches the hearts of everyone who works in a library setting. There are some areas that are designated as group study areas, but many libraries still have quiet zones. I’m sure there is not a library professional in the world who hasn’t had to, at one time or other, walk up to patron’s and say, with a stern look, “A Little Less Conversation” please.

Celebration

You’ve conquered that chunk of backlog that’s been on your list for two years. You’ve found that obscure piece of information for your researcher, in that file that was labelled not-the-greatest. A new order of archival quality folders came in just in time to complete processing that collection for appraisal. Any win, big or small, is worthy of celebration!

We want to hear from you! What would you put on your Library or Archives playlist? Comment down below, or send us a tweet at @sask_uasc